Only about 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a suitable option for those who are short of time and want to explore the majestic nature. This is also a place to go at many times of the year, but the most beautiful is still spring and summer. If you are limited time, Ninh Binh Excursion 2 Days 1 Night is the best. So in these two days where should you go and discover what? Here is guide:

Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the stone-walled royal citadel, is located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was the economic, political and cultural center of Dai Co Viet (Great Viet) – the first centralized feudal state of Vietnam, which existed from 968 to 1010 C.E.). It is also the native land of 3 monarches of Vietnam: the Dinh, and the First Le and Ly. The ancient capital covered an area of 300 ha, including the Inner Citadel and the Outer Citadel. It was surrounded by rock mountain ranges. In the past, Hoa Lu Royal citadel was adorned with splendid palaces, magnificent temples and shrines. When King Ly Cong Uan transferred the capital to Thang Long (now known as Hanoi), it became the ancient capital. Due to the ravages of time, Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel no longer exists. Now, there are only some vestiges related to the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties. For example, there are Dinh temple for worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang and his sons, Le Temple dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga and their sons. These relics together with the mountains ranges have stood the test of time.

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Tam Coc

The journey through three caves lasting about 2 hours. Hang Ca- first cave is 127 m long, through a large mountain, the cave is over 20m wide. In the cool cave there are many stalactites hanging down with many kinds of images. Hang Hai- second cave nearly one kilometer long with a length of 60m, many stalactites hanging down very strange. Hang Ba- the third cave is near Hai cave and 50 meters long, cave ceiling is like a rock arch, lower than the other two caves.

On the trip to visit Tam Coc, visitors are often directed by boat to guide, tell stories about the landscapes, share about the life of local people ...

Photo by hachi8

Mua cave

The Mua cave tourist site is about 4.5 km from Tam Coc. Formerly, King Tran, when he came back to Hoa Lu, established Am Thai Vi often to come here to listen to the beautiful women, the singing and singing so the place was named the Mua Cave. The cave is located at the foot of Mua mountain, in ecotourism area in Khe Ha Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.

The highlight of this resort is the beautiful scenery also has a path leading to the Mua mountain, It was built following the Great Wall architecture with nearly 500 stone steps. When climbing the ladder, visitors will reach the top of the mountain, from here can view the landscape of Tam Coc from above.

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Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex. It consists of several temples and over 500 intricately carved statues of Buddha, including one that’s made of bronze and is 10 metres in height. Set within the Gia Sinh Commune, it attracts a huge crowd of local devotees and travellers looking to pay their respects and have their fortunes told by the resident monks.

There are two main pagodas of the same name, one of which is located on the slopes of Dinh Mountain. Accessible via a 300-step stairway, this quiet shrine houses a main prayer hall and natural caves, where locals pray to Buddha and mountain spirits such as Saint Nguyen and Genie Cao Son.

Photo by phongnguyenhuy

Trang An Ecotourism Complex

Located east of Ninh Binh province, covering almost 2000 hectares, Trang An eco-tourism complex is divided into 5 sections: a specially preserved area – Hoa Lu ancient citadel, a central area, a natural area of grottoes and caves, a tourist service area, and a holy mountain of Bai Dinh area.

The total 47 historical vestiges, hidden caves and grottoes in limestone karst, valleys, rivers and streams all together create a fanciful landscape. With hundreds of big and small statutes, numerous categories of architectural works, Bai Dinh – Trang An combined complex is one of the biggest in Vietnam and has become a must–see place for almost travelers these days.

Photo by collect on the internet

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first National Park and one of the country’s largest nature reserve. This forest spans parts of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa province. The diversity of its fauna and flora, the beauty of its nature and its many cultural and historical features make the area an attractive destination for tourists.

Covering an area of 22,200 hectares, Cuc Phuong National Park nestles against Tam Diep mountain. Leaving national highway 12A and following a steep path for 15 km, one kilometer before the entrance to the forest, you can already breathe pure, fresh air and hear the sounds of animals. Cuc Phuong has about 2,000 plant species and 2,600 animal species, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world. This is one of seven centers of great plant diversity in Vietnam.